Family Policies are largely a competence of the EU member states and not of the European Union itself. Not least due to the demographic changes in Europe, however, family policy has also become a topic on the agenda in the European Institutions. The rotating Presidencies of the Council of the EU in 2010 and 2011 issued a joint statement in April 2011, which proposes, inter alia, to declare 2014 a European Year of Families. The Council of the European Union on Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs, in June this year, adopted conclusions on Reconciliation of work and family life in the context of demographic change.

As one contribution to the debate, the Executive Committee of the Church and Society Commission adopted a discussion document on Europe and Family Policy. It contains several recommendations to the European Union and its Members States in order to advance a “sustainable and supportive framework for families”. Recognising the different approaches to family policies across Europe, the Executive Committee deliberately adopted the document as a discussion document.

Reactions from member churches and persons dealing with family policies are welcome to be sent to Rev. Frank-Dieter Fischbach by 1st of April 2012.

Please click here for Europe and Family Policy – A Discussion Document issued by the Church and Society Commission.